The fabulous CoverGirl makeup artist, Molly Stern, was kind enough to answer a few of our questions for our TDO Interview series. Known for making her clients feel beautiful – inside and out, Molly is highly recognized for her light, natural touch, her sense of style, and her contagious, sparkling personality. Her client list includes A-list celebs, as well as in high profile advertising and fashion editorial. Find out about Molly’s must-have beauty products, her inspirations, tips & tricks and much more!

The Daily Obsession: What made you want to begin a career in the makeup industry? How did you get your start?
Molly Stern: I started doing makeup when I was 16; I am 35 now. I stumbled upon it. Seriously, stumbled upon a makeup store and asked them to hire me and they did.

TDO: Is there someone who inspired you when you first started out?
MS: Yes, Pat McGrath. Her vision and attention to color detail was and is always such a revelation.

TDO: Did you have a mentor? How did she/ he help nuture your skills?
MS: Yes, Jillian Dempsey. She supported my dreams, and inspired me to follow them. She invited me to assist her and learn from her. Side note: For those unfamiliar with the makeup industry, Jillian Dempsey is a noted makeup artist and the founder of Delux Beauty.

TDO: What is your approach to beauty?
MS: My motto as a makeup artist is that you should wear your makeup instead of it wearing you. I believe all women have intrinsic beauty and that makeup is merely a tool to enhance what we naturally have. That is why CoverGirl is such a perfect brand for me to represent. They are all about clean and natural beauty.

TDO: Name the beauty product that you can not live without.
MS: I love CoverGirl VolumeExact Mascara! Previously, I would use fake lashes or eyeliner to achieve a high volume, separated lash look, but VolumeExact mascara completely eliminates this need. It fills in the lash line outlining the eye and plumping the lashes for a full, separated look.

TDO: What should every woman have in her makeup bag?
MS: A moisturizing lip color! The right shade complements the skin tone and can give any woman the perfect boost. Also, the perfect lip color can substitute for an emergency cream blush too. Just a dot or two on the apples of the cheeks and you’re ready to go!

TDO: What’s the biggest makeup mistake you see women making?
MS: The biggest mistake I see women making is overdoing their makeup — Makeup should be clean and fresh.

TDO: What are some makeup trends that we will see in the upcoming season?
MS: We are seeing a lot of nude lips. Which is great, but it’s important to make sure to choose the right color so it doesn’t wash you out.

TDO: Do you have any favorite beauty tricks to share with our readers?
MS: A favorite beauty trick of mine, is after applying your foundation, take your hands and gently press them all over your face, cheeks, forehead, etc. This allows your natural skin and flush to come through so that the foundation doesn’t ever look too masky.

TDO: What’s a tip or trick that the everyday woman could use in her life to enhance her look?
MS: Use little or no mascara on the bottom lashes. It tends to drag the eye down. You want to keep the lashes full and plump on the top to open the eye.

TDO: There’s an obsession with anti-aging and looking younger through injectibles and plastic surgery. Which celebrity do you think embodies a woman who is aging gracefully and naturally?
MS: Christie Brinkley, she looks great. She is beautiful on both the outside and the inside.

Thank you, Molly! TDO readers, please check out her recommended products, use the tips and report back with results!

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